DC Direct First Appearances All-New Atom Action Figure

I absolutely had to have this one--who knows whether poor Ryan is going to be around for the long run in the DC universe, after all?

It's a good-looking figure overall. The costume detailing is nice. He's not too muscular, which is appropriate for the character, who is fit but not buff. I'm not sure the face is quite right, but he does wear a mask so it's hard to be sure.

And if this is an example of the articulation in this series, I've got no qualms about getting more of them. He doesn't turn at the waist, wrists or ankles, but otherwise has a good range of motion for a DC Direct figure--the arms turn out at the shoulders, and the hips bend enough to let him sit fully, which is less common than I'd like.

On the whole I'm quite pleased and would recommend him.

DC Direct JSA Mr. Terrific Action Figure

This is my first figure from the JSA series (my Power Girl is from Infinite Crisis, I believe), and it's a nice figure overall. I like the character, so I'm happy to have the figure. It looks great (I love Mr. Terrific's costume--so atypically superheroic, so unique!) and the detailing is impressive.

He's not all that posable, although he's not bad. He's got the usual jointing at shoulders, elbows, knees and helps, and the head turns, as do the wrists. The main problem is his stance--his arms and legs are both permanently spread (they don't turn out), which limits what he can do. Wide-spread legs don't have to be a problem in an action figure--many figures have them, for the heroic look this position gives--but since Mr. Terrific doesn't bend at the ankles, he really can only stand in one way. He sits pretty well, though, which is a big consideration around here.

He comes with a set of his little T spheres, four of them attached to a clear ring, a rather nice effect.

So far he is hanging out with Power Girl, awaiting the arrival of more Justice Society-ers.

DC Direct Justice Green Arrow Action Figure

This is a good-looking Green Arrow. As is usual with this series of figures, I have nothing to complain about with regard to his appearance, and the detailing is impressive. He comes with a bow, a quiver of arrows, and a single arrow.

He's fairly posable for one of Ross's figures--bends at the hips (and sits well), at the knees and elbows. The boots turn, as do the wrists and a point at mid-bicep. And of course the head. (Not the waist, which would have been nice.)

He also goes nicely with the Black Canary from the same series, which is the main reason I got him.

Overall, a good addition to the collection.

DC Direct Justice Martian Manhunter Action Figure

I've been wanting a Martian Manhunter figure for a while. When I found out they were making a series based on the Giffen JLA series, I thought I might like that one.

Then I saw a picture of that one. (I think there's one on the DC Direct site if you want to go see what I mean.)

So I got this one. The Alex Ross one.

Omigosh, it is massive. If you dropped it on your toe, it would really hurt. Which is I think appropriate--J'Onn is usually portrayed as a pretty big, impressive guy, and this is a big, impressive figure. Appearance-wise, I have nothing to complain about.

Of course, like most of the figures in the Justice series, it's only minimally posable. I expect that. He can bend at the hips and knees, shoulders and elbows, and his head turns. No waist movement. The boots turn (the right one is actually quite loose, but that's a flaw in this specific figure, not in the design itself). He can't sit because of the cape, and surprisingly he doesn't stand all that well, so I imagine he'll spend a lot of time leaning up against the wall.

On the whole, I'm happy with the figure and it brings me one step closer to completing my Morrison-era JLA grouping. :)

DC Direct Green Lantern Ganthet and Guardian Action Figures

Since these are so small (there are two of them in the set) I didn't expect a lot of articulation. Actually, I can't really tell how articulated they might be because they're both wearing a soft-plastic caftan that covers them from wrist to ankle. So, practically speaking, you can turn the heads and lift the arms out a bit and that's it.

However, they are truly adorable.

So is Ganthet the only Guardian who was ever provided with a name, then?

A very Minimates Christmas

The ten-year-old got four two-packs of Iron Man movie Minimates.

The fourteen-year-old got that totally awesome Iron Man set with all the old armors, and three Tony Stark heads including 1970s homeless drunk Tony Stark.

And I, who have never had any interest whatsoever in Minimates before, am now the owner of that Invaders set. I have no idea what I'm going to do with the things, but they sure look good.

Happy holidays to the comic blogoverse!

Hope everyone has a wonderful holday-of-your-choice. :)

Help my find more comic stuff to buy!

Where should I go (online or in trades) to learn more about Red Arrow in his various incarnations. My first thought was trades of the new JLA title but I don't think they've made many yet, and I'm not sure that's the best source anyway.

Heroic holidays

So we had a few friends over this weekend, and the kids exchanged some gifts.

The ten-year-old gave the fourteen-year-old that set of Avengers Minimates, the original group including Ant-Man and the Wasp. She likes them but says that they don't seem as sturdy as some of the others (in particular, Wasp's wings are problematic).

The fourteen-year-old gave the ten-year-old and her friend Minimates of themselves. It was all her own idea--she got several other figures that had the right hair, or clothes that could be turned into something the girls already owned, and put them together alont with custom-made boxes. They were thrilled (including the non-comic-reading friend) and spent the rest of the day playing with the other Minimates and giving themselves superpowers.

One reason I'm not planning to see the movie

You know, putting The Spirit in a black suit is like putting Captain America in red, white and green. It's just wrong.

Sacrilege!

You know I love Nick Fury, but I have absolutely no desire to read Secret Warriors so far. I suppose I can always get the trade eventually if it turns out to be decent.

What I Want: The March 09 Marvel Solicitations

AVENGERS/INVADERS #9
Picking up from the jaw-dropping events of Avengers/Invaders #8, our heroes find themselves back in time, with the fate of the very world on their shoulders. Disguised as the heroes of the golden past, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Spider-Woman, Ms. Marvel and Luke Cage now face Nazis, the power of the Cosmic Cube and the Red Skull... Avengers Assemble

Well, I'm not a big fan of the Cosmic Cube--it's rare that it's used well--but I've been liking this story so far.


CAPTAIN AMERICA #48
The New Captain America faces the crimes of his past as the Winter Soldier as the Sub-Mariner and the Black Widow struggle to stop a new foe from unleashing a deadly attack on the world!

Sounds like a good story, and it's always good to see Namor.


RUNAWAYS #8
Evil shock-jock Val Rhymin’ shows LA that he’s not just a radio host—he’s also an uber-powerful sorcerer! But it’s the fact that he’s Chase’s boss that gets the Runaways involved. Can they save their teammate? Does he even want to be saved?

The fourteen-year-old, who wanted this book in the first place, is not enjoying the art, so I will ask her whether she wants to continue with it.


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #588
This is the big one! The results are in, the masks are off and Spider-Man might just go down forever! With the secret of Menace revealed and the identity of the Spider-Tracer killer brought to light, the world of Peter Parker, Harry Osborn, Lily Hollister, Carlie Cooper and Vin Gonzales will never be the same! Questions you’ve asked since Spider-Man first entered his Brand New Day will be answered. But who will be left standing to pick up the pieces...and how does it involve Norman Osborn? This one’s a can’t miss, so be there for the conclusion of CHARACTER ASSASSINATION! By Marc Guggenheim and John Romita, Jr.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #589
CHARACTER ASSASSINATION may be over, but the troubles keep coming as Spidey's old nemesis THE SPOT returns deadlier than ever! Wait. Did we just use "The Spot" and "deadlier" in the same sentence? You better believe it -- with his teleportation powers, he's poised to make a name for himself as an unstoppable killer for hire, and the only thing standing between him and his latest target is your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

Far as I know, the kid still wants this one.


NEW AVENGERS #51
WHO IS THE NEW SORCERER SUPREME? Doctor Strange has failed as the Master of the Mystic Arts and all the other mystic characters are the heir apparent. Strange comes to the New Avengers for help as the mystic battle royale begins. Plus, how can the Avengers trust Spider-Man if he won't take his mask off?

Y'know, the Avengers did all right for years without knowing the secret identities of every member.


MIGHTY AVENGERS #23
"Earth's Mightiest Part 3 of 3"
"The Last Knight on Earth"
How can the Mighty Avengers save all of reality from one of their greatest foes... when they can't even stop fighting each other? To survive their first trial by fire, lines will be crossed, ideals will be compromised, and not every hero will make the cut. You better read this issue of DARK REIGN, guys. Why? Because this one's going to change the Marvel landscape! Literally!

I'm really interested in seeing what the post-Bendis Mighty Avengers is going to be like.


DARK AVENGERS #3
The phenom that is the Dark Avengers continues. BATTLEGROUND LATVERIA as Morgana Le Fey attacks with all the power at her disposal. Meanwhile these new Avengers discover all the dirt and hidden secrets of their notorious pasts.

I'm really not at all sure I'll be keeping this one on the list. The New Avengers and the Mighty Avangers--they're both still Avengers teams. This one seems like it might not be. But I'll check it out.


NEW AVENGERS: THE REUNION #1 (of 4)
In the wake of SECRET INVASION, Mockingbird is alive and has returned to Earth after being held captive by the Skrulls. Ronin, her estranged husband, volunteers to help her adjust to her new life as a member of the new Avengers, but some old wounds run too deep. And what deadly secret did she bring back with her that could tear them, and the world, apart once more? It's high-octane action and intrigue as the Mr. & Mrs. Smith of the Marvel Universe take on one of the biggest threats in the world...and each other!

Certainly I'll get this one.


DEADPOOL #8
“MAGNUM OPUS,” PART 1 OF 4
SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH THUNDERBOLTS! Deadpool unleashes his most insane plan yet: a full-on assault against Norman Osborn! As Deadpool storms his way to the top of Avengers Tower, Osborn is forced to pull out all the stops to save his own skin — and that means deploying the brand new Thunderbolts! Plug your ears, kids — this is gonna be loud!
THUNDERBOLTS #130
“MAGNUM OPUS,” PART 2 OF 4 -- CROSSOVER WITH DEADPOOL
Everyone’s favorite Merc with a Mouth has the Thunderbolts in his crosshairs – but don’t expect this murderer’s row of butt-kickers to lay down! The nastiest fight of ’09 has begun, and you’ve got the front row seat for all the ultra violence

See, this is what a crossover is supposed to do--get someone to try a comic they've never read in their life! (I.e. me and Thunderbolts.)


MS. MARVEL #37
It's a throwdown in Hong Kong against the mysteriously powered Ghazi as Ms. Marvel finally discovers the origin of her mysterious enemy. However, Carol has been keeping a secret connected to the Dark Reign concerning Norman Osborn and it may just mean she won't survive the fight.

Remains readable, though not exciting.


CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #11
“VAMPIRE STATE”
Dracula continues his plan to take the United Kingdom for vampires and monsters. Who is the traitor in the ranks of MI13? Can Spitfire possibly deny what she is? Can Captain Britain save his nation? Find out here!

Not a big fan of comic-book Dracula (movie Dracula is something else altogether) but I like this book.


MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #34
THE SAND AND FURY: It's 1942 and Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos are on leave in London. No, wait, it's 2009 and the Avengers are shooing away a pterodactyl from the Tower of London. But, hold on, what's a pterodactyl doing in London anyway? Geez, never mind, because now it looks like it's about 4000 BC, and Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos are teaming up with the Avengers in order to take down a madman with a rather personal take on time.

For the nine-year-old, of course. The fourteen-year-old rarely reads it. I, on the other hand, almost always do. :)


DEADPOOL: GAMES OF DEATH
"GAME$ OF DEATH"
"Pain Factor" -- the reality TV game show so controversial, it's been banned around the world! Today, eleven desperate men will travel to a desert island to compete in a series of outlandish challenges that will leave one of them rich and the rest of them dead. Among the competitors, a certain "Merc with a Mouth," who's been hired to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a millionaire's son. The trail ended here for Junior, but will it for Deadpool? Not if he has anything to say about it. After all, nothing brings out Wade's competitive streak like cold, hard ca--I mean, justice.

Ooooh, more Deadpool!


YOUNG X-MEN #12
Dust fights for her life and the team is in the fight of theirs. Everything comes full circle in their final confrontation with the X-Baddie who started it all: Donald Pierce.

Actually, I need to inquire of the family as to whether this one stays on the list. I like it all right, and I usually read it, but I wouldn't get it just for me.


FRANKLIN RICHARDS: NOT-SO-SECRET INVASION DIGEST
Move over, Mr. Fantastic – the progeny of Marvel's First Family has a brand-new digest! Franklin Richards returns with this brand-new collection. Join Franklin and his robot pal H.E.R.B.I.E. as they head into Reed’s lab for all kinds of fantastic fun, amazing adventures and more trouble than you can shake an Ultimate Nullifier at! This compilation is bound to bring out the kid in every reader! Collecting FRANKLIN RICHARDS: SPRING BREAK, NOT-SO-SECRET INVASION, SUMMER SMACKDOWN and SONS OF GENIUSES.

For the nine-year-old, it'll be a nice surprise for her in a few months.

What I Want: The March '09 DC Solicitations

BATMAN: BATTLE FOR THE COWL #1
"Batman: R.I.P." and FINAL CRISIS saw the end of Batman. Now, months following the disappearance of her protector, Gotham City sits at a precipice and it may be too far gone for Nightwing, Robin, Commissioner Gordon and the rest of the city’s heroes to save the day. Amid the fires, rioting, looting and gang warfare, one question rings out from the souls of Gotham’s desperate citizens: Where is Batman?
With guest-stars galore, the destruction of a sacred Gotham City institution and an ending that will have everyone talking, this 3-issue miniseries event written and drawn by Tony Daniel (The Tenth) features the battle to take on the Mantle of the Bat. Who has earned the right? Who thinks they deserve it? Robin? Nightwing? Jason Todd? Two-Face? Catwoman? Batgirl? Who will ultimately win the BATTLE FOR THE COWL?

This is one I've actually been waiting for.


ORACLE #1
Part 1 of 3-part story that will change the life of Oracle forever! Barbara Gordon, after disbanding the Birds of Prey, returns to Gotham City as a recluse only to lose herself to her Oracle identity entirely. But when the evil Calculator seeks the remnants of the Anti-Life Equation to save the life of his daughter, Oracle will be caught in the crossfire, and Barbara Gordon will pay the ultimate price!

Now, is this a 3-part mini, or a new ongoing that starts with a 3-parter?


GREEN LANTERN CORPS #34
The prelude to “Blackest Night” continues as the “War of Light” heats up. Mongul commands Daxam and their Superman-like citizens plus the entire Sinestro Corps. Can Arisia and a small resistance of Daxamites defeat the fear-bearing Corps with Sodam Yat out of the picture?

Haven't been disappointed with this one yet. I'm even starting to care about Sodam Yat, just a little bit.


GREEN LANTERN #40
“Agent Orange” part 2! The prelude to “The Blackest Night” continues as the war of light explodes across the Vega System. It's the Green Lantern Corps vs. the bizarre Orange Lantern Corps led by the most disgusting, filthiest, vilest being in the universe. But now that Agent Orange has been disturbed, what does that mean to the rest of the universe? Plus, John Stewart battles alongside his newest ally...Fatality?

Oookay, I guess it's time to pick up the regular GL title again for a while. John Stewart's in it!


JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #25
The “Black Adam and Isis” epic concludes here! With Billy Batson banished from the Rock of Eternity, the Justice Society calls upon an old friend to help in the battle against the Black Marvel family and stop Black Adam and Isis once and for all!

You know, I just buy this one and have confidence that I'll continue to enjoy it. So far, so good.


SECRET SIX #7
It’s the big finale of the first arc and a punishing battle royal, Gotham City style, as the bloody, ragged remains of the Secret Six fight their way through throngs of Gotham City heroes and villains. And when the dust finally settles, the man pulling the strings of this whole affair will finally be revealed! Guest stars, betrayals and bad taste galore in this powerful issue!

Bad taste is always good.

TITANS #11
Shaken by the loss of one of their teammates, the Titans attempt to regroup and move on. But they discover that their problems aren't even close to over as their past comes back to haunt them in this prelude to the major “Deathtrap” crossover with TEEN TITANS starting next month!

Still getting this one.


WONDER WOMAN #30
“Rise of the Olympian” Part 5! Created by Zeus himself, the Olympian is charged with spreading the message of peace and unity throughout the world – by any means necessary. Is a battered and bruised Wonder Woman up to the challenge of stopping his brutal ways? And does the world even want her to? All this plus a surprising revelation about the true origin of Genocide, the creature that beat Wonder Woman!

And this one as well. Not quite ready to give up yet.


SCOOBY-DOO #142
Zombies, zombies, zombies! The gang’s got their work cut out for them, with two tales of zombie mayhem. Plus, a group of rival mystery-solvers falls on their tails!

For the nine-year-old, of course.


JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL SERIES 2 ACTION FIGURES
From the pages of the much-loved ’80s series from Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis and Kevin Maguire, these four characters round out the original incarnation of the Justice League International! Each figure features multiple points of articulation and a base. 4-color clamshell blister card packaging. INCLUDES: Fire • 6.75” h

I might want Fire. Mainly to go with Ice, which I didn't pre-order but which I am determined to have.

If I absolutely positively had to get rid of five comics:

This one is difficult, because I've actually cut most of the books that didn't interest me, as well as some that just didn't interest me enough. Of what's left? Well, these are the comics that I do not currently intend to drop, but which tend to be among the last ones I read every month. So in no particular order:

Titans. I'm not hating it, but it hasn't captured my interest like I thought it might. I'll give it some more time but it's definitely in the bottom 5.

Ms. Marvel. Carol just hasn't been all that interesting lately. I have a nostalgic fondness for the character, but that only goes so far.

Wonder Woman. I hate to say it, I really, really hate to say it, but WW just isn't one of my favorite characters. I'd like her to be. I enjoy her a lot in a group setting. And I kind of feel like I "should" support her. And yet, as I've said before, on her own she often leaves me cold. This is easily the best I've ever seen her title be, but even so, it's just not all that fun of a book for me.

Mighty Avengers and New Avengers. Not because I don't like them, but because there are other ongoings on my list that I get more pleasure from. This is partly due to these titles being in the middle of two massive events in a row, and my sense that they've been serving that purpose rather than telling their own stories. I don't hate them, don't even dislike them, but there's just not a lot to them for me a lot of the time.

If I absolutely positively had to limit myself to five comic books

Now, I don't buy a ton of books compared to a lot of people, but I do buy well over five titles. So...if, for whatever reason, I could only have five of them:

1. Captain America. This one won't surprise any of you who have read my blog even sporadically. It's not as head-and-shoulders above the rest as it would have been, say, a year ago, but it's stil at the top of the list. Good stories, good art, generally respectful treatment of the characters, and plenty of surprises.

2. Green Lantern Corps. This is my GL book of choice. (I tried the regular GL book for a while but Hal just doesn't interest me to the point of $2.99/month.)

3. Secret Six. It's early days for this one but I fully expect it to remain as much fun as this group has been in the past.

4. Deadpool. Ditto.

5. Avengers/Invaders. I hesitate to put this one on the list because it's not an ongoing, but it is a year-long mini and that's longer than some ongoings last. I retain a great fondness for the Invaders, and I've been enjoying this new take on them.

I will say that, a few weeks ago, both Birds of Prey and She-Hulk would have been on the list.

DC Universe Classics Wonder Woman Action Figure

Yes, we already had a Wonder Woman. Yes, she's gorgeous, and reasonably playable for a DC Direct figure. However, this one was simply irresistible. What we will do with two Wonder Women, I have no idea, but we've got them.

First of all, she has every bit of mobility that the other figures in this line have, which means she can strike almost any pose you like. She has limited head movement, due to her hair, but that's not unusual for action figures. (The only long-haired figure I can think of offhand whose head moves well is Marvel Legends Black Widow, and they accomplished that by giving her--as the fourteen-year-old puts it--"that weird neck thing.) She has: bends at elbow and knee and abkle, arms and hips turn out waist turns and bends, turns at bicep and mid-thigh. She doesn't stand all that well, but she can do it with a little work on your part.

She looks good, too. The costume is nice. The lasso is permanently attached, which I actually prefer because the other WW figure lost hers within a week of her arrival. I very much like the face with its resolute expression. In fact, my only complaint about the way this figure looks is that she's awfully leggy, which I think contributes to her difficulty standing on her own.

I'm going to write a separate paragraph about the arms. My main complaint about this line has been the arms used on the female characters--we've got a Batgirl (Cass) and a Harley Quinn, and both of them have narrow shoulders and skinny arms, not only making them a bit disproportionate but looking not at all muscular enough to do the jobs they do. Wonder Woman, however, has some muscles. I hope that'll become the standard for this series.

DC Universe Classics Cyborg Action Figure

I really have been impressed overall with these figures--they tend to strike a nice balance between appearance and playability. In comparison, the Marvel Legends have usually been tremendously playable but not particularly attractive, and the DC Direct figures are usually amazingly pretty but nearly immobile. They also seem to make a good mix of major and obscure characters, which is wonderful. And they don't have permanent snarls (something I always disliked about many of the Marvel Legends). Currently, I'd say that this line is pretty close to my ideal for an action figure.

Cyborg is as nicely done as the other figures I have seen. He has a good range of motion and includes all the jointing typical for this series--the head turns nicely, the knees and elbows and ankles bend, the hips and shoulders turn out, he turns and bends at the waist, and he has those surprisingly useful turns at bicep and mid-thigh. He also stands on his own with little difficulty and sits well. I have absolutely no complaints about the usability of this figure.

He also looks seriously great.

Cyborg spends most of his time hanging out with his fellow Titans, Nightwing and Leg-Fall-Off Girl (DC Direct Donna Troy).

Spent the day shopping and:

It's going to be a MiniMates Christmas.

Oh, yes.

You know...

...I'm kind of going to miss the Wasp.

Writing my letter to Santa now

I want this.

It is one of those books you dream about and wake up disappointed that it doesn't actually exist. Only this time it does.

Catching up on comic news

I was sorry to hear that Geoff Johns is leaving JSA. Because it's been one of the most consistently good things DC has been putting out over the last few years.

And I was kind of glad to hear that the return of Mockingbird doesn't necessarily mean a return to the Hawkeye-Mockingbird relationship as it was. She's never really appeared apart from that relationship, not really, and it would be nice to see what she's like when it's just her in a story.

No escape

The hype is building for Marvel's Dark Reign. I do respond to hype, not quite to an embarrassing degree but nearly (although I suppose that "at all" would be an embarrassing degree to respond to hype). Dark Reign doesn't really intrigue me much (and what is all this love for Norman Osborne) but I imagine I'll pick it up.

But wow, I'm getting tired. Sure, it all reflects the state of the Marvel Universe--they had the Civil War, and then the Skrulls attacked, and now there's Dark Reign (whatever that may turn out to be) and there's certainly a sense of one thing piling up on another, and of it couldn't get any worse and then it does, and of how the heroes haven't been able to take a rest in how long?

But you know? They're heroes. And they're fighting for their world.

We, on the other hand, are readers. And we don't have nearly that sort of incentive for wanting to keep up this exhausting pace. (And as many have said, it's not very meaningful to break with the status quo when there is no status quo.) We could just leave the universe if it all becomes too much.

I do try to keep that in mind.

Oh Marvel Comics, why can't I quit you?

Festive!

In honor of the holiday season, I have decorated my desktop with Green Lantern and Red Arrow.

Hey, it's your fault!

Although I am almost never an "early adopter," eventually I find myself wanting to check out most of the nifty internet thingies that come my way. Blogger. Livejournal. Facebook. LibraryThing. For the most part, I try them for a while and eventually tire of them. (I always have had a rather short attention span.) But sometimes something sticks.

I really didn't expect Blogger to be one of the keepers, and yet I've been Blogger-ing for aboaut 2 1/2 years.

I'd like to attribute it to stick-to-itiveness on my part, but I'm afraid I can't. I'm pretty sure it's due to you guys.

So thanks.

Seriously, I will.

So...how long do you think until Martian Manhunter returns?

I'll start buying Justice League of America if J'onn comes back and joins.

A word of warning

The holidays are nearly upon us, which is lovely, but December is insane around here, so I am giving you fair warning that I am going to be even less likely than usual to write anything that is (a) long, (b) intelligent, or (c) significant.

This has been a public service announcement.

Let the lazy blogging begin!

Am I greedy?

Okay, so now I want a Mockingbird action figure.

Okay, this is neat!

Every so often I see something on the comic news sites that I can't wait to tell the kids about because I know they'll be excited.

This is one of those things: the introduction of Static to the regular DC universe.

I remember when Static Shock was on TV, it was something the kids enjoyed a lot and made a real point of watching. (Actually it has been a while so I'm not entirely sure that the nine-year-old will even remember it. But the fourteen-year-old will.)

So, hey cool!

Question for those who might know.

So is Justice League of America worth reading yet?

Addendum to New Cap action figure review.

Okay, problem with this figure? The pouches on the belt break off if you even try to pose the thing. Which makes me cranky.

Actual holiday shopping today

But I didn't leave the house. Watching all that scary Black Friday footage scared me off. So I went online.

So far, Minimates and Lego Batman are on their way.

Come to think of it

You know, I oould probably have skipped Batman RIP entirely and just waited for "Battle for the Cowl."

Marvel Select New Captain America Action Figure

Way back in April, I preordered this thing. I'm not ordinarily a big fan of the Marvel Select line--they're scaled a bit too tall to go with the other action figures easily, and they tend to be designed to be posed in one particular position. However, I've wanted this character in action figure form, and I wasn't sure whether it would be offered as a Marvel Legend, and the figure looked decent in the pics, so I ordered.

Well, he is pretty tall. Not outrageously so--he won't look disproportionate to the other figures, just tall--which would be less of a big deal if Bucky/Cap is supposed to be relatively average in height for a superhero. About 5'9" if I recall correctly.

The figure is reasonably posable. He bends at shoulder, arm, knee and hip. The shoulders and hips also turn outward, which is nice. He also bends at the ankles and turns at the waist, and the head nods and turns. The only real problem is at the hip joints, where if you sit him down, the legs spread and turn, which limits his sitting ability considerably. Still, not terrible, and better than I really expected from this line after She-Hulk. The right hand has a gun permanently attached, but at least it's just the one hand (Jason Todd has two, which makes him kind of difficult to play with).

And it's a decent-looking figure. Not thrilling, but certainly acceptable. The costume looks pretty good. It's shiny where it's supposed to be but not glaringly so. The main thing that looks a little odd is at the hip--the way the legs are attached, the thighs stick out a bit beyond the hip, giving him a bit of a "saddlebag" effect. And I can't say that the face looks quite right (he looks more "Steve" than "Bucky," really), but that's not that uncommon in any action figures.

Overall, I like it, but I'm hoping for a Marvel Legends version in the future.

What I actually don't like about Brand New Day

I didn't care much about the whole One More Day/Brand New Day scenario, not really. Never did read much Spider-Man, nor cared a whole lot about the character other than as part of the background in the Marvel titles I did read. So, MJ or not, public persona or not, didn't make a lot of difference to me.

However, it was still something I found a little bothersome.

Because it seemed to be a strike at something I'd always really liked about Marvel Comics. Something that differentiated them from DC, in my mind.

See, in the Marvel Universe, if you read it in a comic, it was part of the official story. No matter how stupid, no matter how lame, no matter how much it conflicted with everything we knew about the character in question, it happened. (Well, unless it happened in an issue of What If?, but that was explicitly out of continuity. The out-of-continuity was even in the title! It was consigned to its own little corner of the comic lineup.)

Whereas DC, on the other hand...well, they always did have the imaginary stories, but those were usually identified as such so I won't complain about them (apart from the fact that they occurred within the pages of otherwise-in-continuity titles). But DC liked Crises. They liked to change their whole universe(s) every so often. I understand that they were doing it in an attempt to simplify, to make a continuity workable after however-many decades of stories.

But damn, it makes it hard to get interested in any particular character when you never know whether that character will "make the cut" the next time the company decides to reorganize. Why invest the emotional energy (insofar as that can apply to fictional characters) in them when they may not be around in the long run? Why pay attention to storylines, team-ups, partnerships, relationships when they may be overwritten on a whim?

Well, I've grown to like the DC universe well enough that I'm willing to take that chance, at least for some titles and characters. But the DC Universe does seem, to me, to be awfully unstable, at least in narrative terms. I notice a personal reluctance to pay too much attention to what's going on, especially when "change is in the air" (which is, what, all the time these days?).

Marvel, on the other hand, has generally embraced their Silver Age weirdness and so forth. Apart from the in-my-opinion-unnecessary sliding time scale, of course. Brand New Day, however, comes unfortunately close to being something I really don't care for. And I think the company recognizes this--thus all the commentary from the company about how "all the stories you read as a kid still happened, they just weren't married."

So, Spider-Man and his changing marital status isn't really something that's going to affect my own comic-reading experience, because I don't care that much about that particular character. However, it's a sign that yes, Marvel is willing to use that sort of rewriting of character history, and I can't help but think that the next time, it'll be someone I do care about.

Because I am that kind of annoying comic fan, apparently.

Giving my comic-book thanks

Comic-related things I'm thankful for:

1. A Secret Six ongoing series.
2. The New Cap action figure (on its way to our house RIGHT NOW!)
3. Being old enough to appreciate the Silver Age both as camp and the way it was intended.
4. Heroclix, for as long as it survives.
5. The comic blogoverse (which is to say, you guys! :))

Holiday shopping fun

The nine-year-old gave me a list of the MiniMates she'd like for Christmas.

Guess I'm going to be hanging out at eBay for a while.

Well, it's better than going to the mall.

List of the day

Five comic things I have no interest in:

1. New Krypton. If just the one Superman never appealed to me, you can imagine how I feel about a planet full of them.

2. Daredevil. Ever. I just never cared for this guy. (And I get the impression that his current book is just an incredibly depressing read!)

3. Comic adaptations of classic novels. I know I ought to be, but I'm just not that classy and I'm not willing to pretend to be. Not even for Wizard of Oz.

4. Smallville. The kids and the husband liked it, but to me it was nails-on-chalkboard annoying. Even though I got to win an argument with the husband re Pa Kent = Bo Duke.

5. Any Hulk-related title other than She-Hulk. Red Hulks, Grey Hulks, Green Hulks, you'd think they were wearing power rings.

No end to the internet!

Just realized that Twitter has greatly increased the amount of time that I spend online following interesting links. So thanks!

Dear Santa

I've decided that what I'd really like for Christmas is a Black Widow ongoing series.

That's not asking so much, is it?

What am I thinking?

I cannot believe that I am considering picking up X-Men Noir when it's out in trade. Not only is it X-Men, it's out of continuity.

But this makes it look pretty good.

If I were a rich girl...

When I was a kid, back in the 1970s, there were no trade paperbacks. If you wanted to read a comic book from days past, you looked through some comic book store's catalog and ordered it. And the book I most coveted? Avengers #4. The one where Captain America returns. I wanted it. Unfortunately, even in Good condition, the thing was $20.00. Fortunately, my parents were comic-tolerant and it became a birthday present one year. It's still probably the most memorable birthday present I've ever been given. I remember how exciting it was just to hold it in my hands. I read it slowly, savoring every word. It remained one of my most treasured possessions for many years.

These days...well, frankly, I'd still think more than twice about paying $20 for a single comic book. Paying the 2008 equivalent of mid-70s $20 would likely be out of the question. Even if it were the emotional equivalent of Avengers 4. As an adult, a far smaller percentage of income tends to be disposable.

However, were I to win the lottery? (A neat trick since I never play.) Or that Publisher's Clearing House thing that the fourteen-year-old insists we send in? Well, then all bets would be off.

So. Here is my list of my top five things I'd love, in no particular order, that I'll never have unless I suddenly become independently wealthy:


1. That series of TPBs of every Batman story ever published.

There are really only a couple of superheroes that have had an uninterrupted run since their creation--Batman and Superman. And I'm far less a fan of Superman than of Batman. And Batman has seemed particularly vulnerable to writer adaptation. So this opportunity to see it happen, to see how the character changed slowly over time, would be fantastic.

2. Comprehensive collection of Marvel Masterworks editions of Golden Age Timely comics.

As any one who's read this blog at all knows, I loves me some early Captain America, Human Torch and of course the Sub-Mariner--Golden Age Namor really has no equal in the smartass category. I even own a handful of these volumes, but at $50 a pop I'm unlikely to ever own them all.

3. Complete collection of Legion of Superheroes appearances, from Adventure Comics on.

At least all the pre-Crisis material.

4. Statues.

Yeah, statues. I'm not a statue-buyer, never bought a single one, and don't plan to. I like to look at the pretty pictures but have never really yearned after them. However, were I to find myself overwhelmed with spare cash, statues of superheroes are just the sort of thing that I would probably decide to consume conspicuously.

5. A Bat-mobile.

I guess it would have to be a custom, but with the kind of money I'm imagining, why not?

What I Want: The February 09 Marvel Solicitations

AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #22
DARK AVENGERS #2
MS. MARVEL #36
NEW AVENGERS #50
DEADPOOL #7
MIGHTY AVENGERS #22

Hey, if they've got nothing to say, I've got nothing to say.

But it's not what one would call full solicitations, now is it?


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #585
The biggest Spider-Man story since NEW WAYS TO DIE continues! It's Menace versus Spider-Man, and the loser ain’t walking away! Plus, Lily Hollister’s reaction to Harry Osborn's shocking pronouncement and we come a step closer to revealing the Spider-Tracer Killer! All that plus...the secrets of Menace stand revealed!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #586
No more secrets. No more lies. With Menace unmasked, the whole story of who he is and how he came to be is finally revealed and it promises to shake Peter Parker’s world to its foundation. Find out all the answers you’ve been demanding in this special Character Assassination interlude!
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #587
Spidey's loved ones are in danger, but to save them he'll have to face thirty of his deadliest foes. Meanwhile, Carlie Cooper and Vin Gonzales are in deeper trouble than they thought and Harry Osborn and Lily Hollister face the election results.

You know, I haven't even been reading this one. (It's for the fourteen-year-old, in any case.) Guess I'm really just not a Spider-fan.


CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #10
The king of the vampires is back. As if the hoards of demons that Pete Wisdom let out in order to defeat the Skrulls in England weren’t enough, now DRACULA has entered the scene. What does he want with Spitfire? And how will an election help his cause? You better hope that Captain Britain and the rest of MI13 have a way to defeat him!

You know, I'm not actually all that into vampires. Not since I was, say, fifteen or sixteen. But it's been a good book so I'll have faith.


CAPTAIN AMERICA #47
The New Captain America in the hands of the enemy in China! His secret past as the Winter Soldier in danger of coming to light! And what are his old Invaders teammate the Sub-Mariner and the Black Widow doing while Bucky Barnes faces his darkest past?

I'm sure that what they're doing isn't what I'd like to see them doing. ;)


MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #33
Ka-Zar's in town, and needs the Avengers' help! While helping the Natural History Museum install a new dinosaur diorama, Ka-Zar decides he should get a driver's license, and the Avengers are pegged to help the lord of the Savage Land learn to drive! As if THAT isn't bad enough (and it IS) the manical villain Stegron steals a rare dinosaur bone he believes can raise his powers to enormous levels, and he's right! Drive on up to this issue for action x 3 with slugfests, dinosaurs, and driving lessons, in "You're Driving Me Crazy!"

For the nine-year-old.


RUNAWAYS #7
The spookiest Runaways tale ever starts here! The Val Rhymin subplot has been brewing since issue one and peeks here! Chase’s boss is not what he seems! Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) welcomes former RUNAWAYS artist Takeshi Miyazawa aboard for this creepy tale of magic and mayhem!

Actually I need to ask the fourteen-year-old whether she likes this enough to keep getting it.


SHE-HULK #38
SHE-HULK R.I.P.!
She's been savage. She's been sensational. She's been an avenger. She's been a lawyer. She's been a bounty-hunter. But there's one thing She-Hulk has always been, in all of her many series... cancelled. But it hasn't stopped her yet! In this oversized final issue, Peter David brings his run on the Jade Giantess to a close... but can Jen use her last remaining pages to save her friends from a truly mammoth threat? Catch her now, before someone turns her red!

Final issue? NOOOOOOOOO!


YOUNG X-MEN #11
Dust is dying. Ever since she was turned to glass in YOUNG X-MEN #3, things haven’t been right, and they’re only getting worse. Why does she think that Donald Pierce may hold the answer?

I'm not sure why I am so fond of this book (and it's sort-of predecessor) when I really have no interest in other X-books.


INCREDIBLE HERCULES: LOVE AND WAR PREMIERE HC
The Greek Goliath is looking for some R&R after the events of "Sacred Invasion," and hopes to find it in the arms of ex-Renegade NAMORA. But there's no rest for warriors when the AMAZONS declare war on Atlantis! And these ain't your mama's Amazons — is that why Amadeus Cho sides with them instead of Herc? Plus: ARES returns! Collecting INCREDIBLE HERCULES: AGAINST THE WORLD TPB STILL AVAILABLE!

I guess this becomes one of my "wait for the trade" books this month. (And I guess I have to look for that last one that I somehow missed whenever it came out?)


CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 3 — THE MAN WHO BOUGHT AMERICA TPB
...if you aren’t picking up Ed Brubaker’s Captain America, there is something seriously wrong with you." — EntertainmentWeekly.com
Dissatisfied with this year’s electoral pickings? Not excited, inspired or made to feel safer by the election-year promises of the right or left wing? Well, fear not! The Third Wing is here, and they want your vote! The nation’s newest political party is led by a charismatic politician — and endorsed by none other than THE Captain America! You heard that right! Cap is back, and he’s chosen a side. A side backed by the Red Skull — the man who bought America! Ed Brubaker shocked the world with his “Death of Captain America” epic — a storyline kicked off by the assassination of a fabled hero that made news headlines worldwide! This classic Cap saga now culminates in a tale of suspense that ties together all eras of the star-spangled warrior’s history! Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #37-42

...ooookay, this could be a pricey month. Might have to wait a bit on some of these trades...


INVADERS CLASSIC VOL. 3 TPB
Cap, Namor, Torch and company face a riddle in Egypt when the sizzling Scarlet Scarab comes down against BOTH sides of the war! Agent Axis, Master Man and the Teutonic Knight are also arrayed against the Invaders — but how do they deal with a less tangible nemesis, prejudice both home and abroad? Featuring the formation of the Kid Commandos, the empowerment of Union Jack and the origin of Toro the Flaming Kid! Guest-starring the Mighty Thor, the Mighty Destroyer and NOT the Frankenstein Monster but a remarkable facsimile! Collecting INVADERS #22-23 and #25-34.

Eeeek! (Watches money flying out of window.)

What I Want: The February 09 DC Solicitations

BATMAN #686
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 1 of 2! Best-selling author Neil Gaiman (THE SANDMAN) and superstar artist Andy Kubert (BATMAN, Marvel 1602) join forces for a special 2-part BATMAN event! “Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader” is a captivating and mysterious tale the likes of which Batman and friends have never experienced before. Delving into the realms of life, death and the afterlife, Gaiman leaves no stone unturned as he explores every facet and era of Bruce Wayne’s life.
DETECTIVE COMICS #853
“Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader?” part 2 of 2! This second part of Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert’s special collaboration is sure to be a BATMAN story for the ages. This extraordinary tale, told as only Gaiman and Kubert can, explores the intricate relationships between Bruce Wayne and his friends and adversaries and builds toward an exciting and unexpected climax. It’s a classic in the making!

I don't know for certain-sure if I want this, but I might. Honestly, Gaiman is not a selling point--I don't dislike him, have enjoyed his works in the past, but don't think that him as author will guarantee the book.


ROBIN #183
A “Batman: Last Rites” tie-in and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin – but with a battle for Batman's cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don’t worry, this final issue doesn’t mark the end of Robin – it’s just the start of an all-new beginning!

Oh, why not? It's the last one. Besides, it's got Jason Todd in it.


BIRDS OF PREY #127
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! Oracle calls on Batgirl to investigate her newest operative, Infinity, to find out what she's made of. The answer is a lot more disconcerting to the team than they’d expect in this series finale!

Not sure what "Origins and Omens" is (have I missed something on the internet?) but will get it.


GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s the prelude to “The Blackest Night” as the “War of Light” continues to intensify! Mongul attempts to establish his hold on the Sinestro Corps by enslaving the planet Daxam and making it the home world of his Corps. What does Sinestro's right hand man, Arkillo, think of all this? And will Sodam Yat, the Green Lantern known as Ion, fight to save his homeworld, which he's vowed to never return to?

Well, I am kind of looking forward to "Blackest Night."



JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
“Black Adam and Isis” part 2 and featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup! The Justice Society faces off against a fully powered Black Adam and his wife, Isis, for control of the Rock of Eternity. But when Mary Marvel enters the fray, will she side with the Justice Society or join the Black Marvel family?

I believe I mentioned this one yesterday.


SECRET SIX #6
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! This is the big one! After Junior's horrifying unmasking last issue, the bruised and battered remnants of the Secret Six try to deliver their package to their mysterious benefactor in Gotham City, a city made even more dangerous by the notable absence of Batman. The only problem is a crowd of villains and heroes determined to block them every step of the way!

This is the one I'm most looking forward to. (I think that may be the case many months.)


TITANS #10
Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! It’s Titans vs. the JLA! In the aftermath of DCU: DECISIONS #4, the JLA wants Jericho, but the Titans don't give up on one of their own. In the end, though, it looks like they’ll lose another member!

Still getting this, although I could wish for a more interesting portrayal of Starfire.



WONDER WOMAN #29
“Rise of The Olympian” part 4! Featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup story! The Olympians have risen to begin their all-out assault on war across the globe! One particular attack could spell the end of the Department of Metahuman Affairs, and Wonder Woman's life is changed forever in the aftermath of Genocide's savage beating...and that's just the stuff we can tell you! Don't miss this crucial arc in Wonder Woman's history!

"Crucial arc" isn't really much of a selling point considering how often Wonder Woman's "history" tends to be rewritten.


SHAZAM!: THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL TP
“Remarkable . . . a comic book that can be savored and admired by everyone from kids to the most sophisticated graphic novel devotee.” — Entertainment Weekly
Jeff Smith, the award-winning creator of BONE, tells the story of young orphan Billy Batson who finds himself transformed into the World's Mightiest Mortal whenever he says the magic word "Shazam!" In this new trade paperback edition collecting the cclaimed 4-issue miniseries at DC’s standard trim size, Billy must use these extraordinary abilities to face an invasion of alien creatures as well as stop mad scientist Dr. Sivana and his Monster Society of Evil from taking over the world!

For the kids (no, really! :)). I've been watching for this one to show up.


JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL VOL. 1 TP
Collecting the classic JUSTICE LEAGUE #1-6 and JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7! Can an unlikely new Justice League lineup work as a unit to stop terrorists at the U.N., the Royal Flush Gang, and other threats — or will they succumb to squabbling and bad jokes?

I will have to check to see whether I've already got these stories in other TPBs.


SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #3
As if being an 8th grader wasn't hard enough, a meteor strikes and makes all of the students at Stanhope Boarding School really super. And why is Belinda Zee suddenly being so nice?

I think we are waiting for the trade on this one. I think. Just pointing out that it looks like a fun read.


SCOOBY-DOO #141
WThe Scoobs bump into danger with a night of thrills, chills...and goblins? Get in gear for a frightening good time with this companion to the Scooby movie, Scooby-Doo and the Shadow Goblins! Contains previously solicited content published here for the first time.

As always, for the nine-year-old.

Looking forward to this one

I was looking at the DC Solicitation preview preview at Newsarama, and noted the upcoming JSA book, which will feature Black Adam and Isis. So that's something to look forward to. The cover is interesting, though--Isis doesn't look any too happy. Any too anything, really.

I'm seriously wanting to know what's up with her this time around!

Pretty pictures

So I visit the Marvel website every so often to see if they have any new wallpapers that appeal to me. More often than not, they don't.

However, this week I found this:

Buscema variant Captain America 44

And I put it right on my computer and I plan to leave it there for a while. For the nostalgia value.

Because, yes, I do like the art in today's comics--but there's a little piece of me that still thinks that that is what comics are supposed to look like.

Just a little wistfulness.

The husband grew up on Marvel Comics Saturday morning cartoons.

I didn't. That whole "we lived in the country and got exactly one network on the antenna and it wasn't ABC" thing.

Man, I missed out.

Wonder if they're available on DVD...

In which I am greedy

My thought on this Dan Didio 20 Questions thing:

An Oracle mini does not a Birds of Prey ongoing replace.

Aw, man.

According to this article, WizKids, the company behind HeroClix, is being shut down by owner Topps. (If I understand the business relationships correctly, which I'll admit I may not.)

The kids and I don't play a lot of HeroClix--maybe once a month if that--but we have a lot of fun when we do. I hope they're able to find some way to keep it going, as they say they'll try to do.

Wondering

I just finished reading last month's Wonder Woman. Of the lot, it was the last comic I read. And I'm not sure why that is. It's certainly a better read than it's been in years. The characterization is good, the art is gorgeous. And this one featured a villain from one of my favorite Morrison-era JLA storylines.

But...I just can't seem to make myself a Wonder Woman fan. Not in the "must read it immediately!" sense. Or even in the "read it as soon as I've got a spare hour or so" sense.

It's not because the book is badly written, because it's not.

It's not because of a lack of good supporting cast, because Etta Candy!

It's not, goodness knows, that I don't like female characters. (She-Hulk is close to the top of the list of comics I do read the day they arrive. So's Birds of Prey.)

I think it may be that when it comes down to it, I like the idea of Wonder Woman more than I like the character herself.

More to the point, I think it may be a case of Superman Syndrome.

For one thing, I've never been a big fan of the unbelievably powerful characters. Never cared for Superman (well, that's understandable when it comes to Silver Age Superman). Never read Thor or The Hulk. I did read Iron Man, but back in the day he wasn't quite as big a gun as he is currently.

I've also never been a big fan of role-model characters. It might be my Marvel-girl upbringing, but the characters who are too good to be true? Always honest and true, never mean or crabby? Always do the right thing and are never really tempted to do otherwise? I'd love to have them fighting crime in my city, but reading about them is something different. And that's Diana. It has to be--she's got the power level that requires it, she's got the will that makes it possible.

I want to like Wonder Woman. In many ways I do. But she's never managed to capture my imagination in the way so many other superheroes have. And if Gail Simone can't do it for me, I suspect that no one could.

However, my kids do like Wonder Woman. Which is why the book is safe in its spot in my get list.

Note to self

Yeah, I need to just stay away from eBay and their pages and pages of action figure listings.

No matter what Trinity says

You know, I still don't buy the notion of Superman/Batman/Wonder Woman being soooo much more important than any of the other DC heroes.

Silver lining

While I don't mind getting my comics by mail, I don't think it's the ideal way to get them. You pretty much have to make all your comic-buying decisions sight unseen based solely on the solicitations. You can't browse, can't see something interesting on the shelves and pick it up.

But there's one good thing about it, and I was reminded of that today when I looked out the window and saw the snow on the ground: even if there's a blizzard that I wouldn't want to drive in, I still get my comics.

Why I haven't read your latest post yet

I am, at the present time, far behind on my comic blog-post reading.

That happens every so often. I get busy and don't spend much time online, or I need to use my online time in other ways and don't get to it, and before you know it there are thousands of posts left to read in Bloglines. Right now I think I've got a record-setting backlog of post-reading with over 8000 posts left unread. That's over 8000 pieces of other people's time and effort, just waiting for me.

Now, I'm not giving all the blame to my poor time-management skills. Some of it has to do with my inability to resist adding a blog to my list (there are, erm, 285 blogs on it).

I don't think it's that I totally lack any discernment. (Maybe it is. How would I know? :)) I think it's more that, after all these years, I still can't get past the idea that Something Comic-Related on the Internet is a rare and precious thing. That I need to read it all because there just isn't all that much of it. Clearly this belief contradicts all the evidence, but I can't seem to get past it.

The result, of course, is that my ambition to read the comic internet exceeds my ability to do so. By a lot. A whole lot.

I do eventually get around to reading everything on the list. I just don't do it in a timely manner.

That was a pleasant surprise.

So I was placing my comic book order today. Now, when you create an order from your pull list, it automatically adds all versions of each title you get, meaning that it adds every single variant cover. Obviously, I generally then get to spend some time removing all the pricey ones. It's a little annoying, but with so many folks wanting the variants, I understand that it's the logical way to go. More often than not, I remove well over $100 in extra variants from my order before placing it.

Today? I glanced up at the corner, at the running total, and saw pretty much what I ought to have seen. I had to remove exactly one unwanted variant from my list.

I guess the event season is over.

A realization

You know, I pretty much ignore anything I see online about Marvel's Ultimate line of comics. I did read Ultimates and, I think, Ultimates 2. They were all right, they were entertaining in a "What If?" sort of way, but I never got particularly attached to them.

And that's because, apparently, I am one of "those" comic fans. The annoying ones.

One of the things that makes comics so dear to me, one of the things that keeps me coming back for more, is the convoluted continuity. The complicated and sometimes conflicting backstory, the steady parade of villains and lovers, the costume changes, the partnerships, the team-ups. Without those ties, without that intricate web of connections, that sense of history, the way that Spider-Man manages to have forty years worth of adventures in a quarter of that time? I may read it if it's around, but I won't usually seek it out, and I'll lose interest pretty easily if the books lose quality.

Ah, but the comics that are firmly bound to their universe's continuity? Those, I'm so much more forgiving of. Because I've got so much more invested in them, personally.

I'm not saying I want to change. I'm just saying that I am a fangirl, and I suppose I ought to embrace it.

Now I want to know

So, as I mentioned briefly yesterday, DC is ending the run of three Bat-titles--Nightwing, Robin, and Birds of Prey.

We don't get Nightwing, and we've only recently started to pick up Robin, but we've gotten Birds of Prey for quite a while and will miss it.

People have been saying that it's likely that at least some of these cancellations have to do with post-R.I.P. changes and that the titles will probably be replaced with other Bat-related books. I can see that with Nightwing and Robin. But Birds of Prey? I don't even classify that as a Bat-book, not really. The association is, in a lot of ways, only marginal. So my question is, what the heck is going to be happening to Barbara Gordon?

Wednesday morning, isn't it?

I'm in a good enough mood, post-election, that even this can't bring me down.

Who do you trust?

Tomorrow is election day. Since I think it's important to educate our kids about the important things--like comic books!--we're having a little election party with some friends to eat snacks and watch the returns. So I've got a refrigerator full of finger Jell-O (red, white and blue), plenty of Chex mix made by the fourteen-year-old (she'll be eligible to vote in the next election, speaking of things that make me feel old), and tortilla chips and salsa (wanted red and blue chips but couldn't find any red so we've just got blue and regular). Also making some no-bake cookies because, well, sugar.

I've got black-and-white outline electoral college vote maps for the kids to color in red and blue as the results come in, and we'll have some sort of board up so they can add the numbers. I am hoping they won't have to be up too late to have some idea of who's won before they go to bed, but in any case I think this will give them some idea of just how it all works. And, at least for the nine-year-old, it seems to have given her the sense that the election is something to be excited about, something really important. She's very much looking forward to tomorrow night, and made a point of picking out red, white and blue to wear to school.

I've tried to emphasize, in talking with her, that neither of the candidates is bad. That they're both good men and they both genuinely feel that their ideas are best for the country, and that good people support both candidates for good reasons. It's a matter of whose ideas you agree with. (I wish some of the other parents of kids at her school had done likewise, but that's a rant for another time.)

Anyway, I'm going to go make those cookies, and then I'm going to open this month's box of comics and sit down and read a few, and forget about politics for a little while. And be reminded that, no matter how bad things may seem, at least we don't have to worry about Skrulls or the Anti-Life Equation. I think.

Can I leave you some of our literature?

We had some friends over last, night, and one of them was someone who had asked to borrow my Watchmen trade, so I had it out during the party so I wouldn't forget to give it to her. It was interesting to see how many folks picked it up and glanced through it during the evening.

Actually, I've noticed that a lot--if we've got company and I've got comics out--which isn't that unusual since the kids tend to leave them around--a lot of times people will pick them up and look through them. They don't sit down and read them, of course, since they're there to socialize. But they're kind of a draw in a way that other books and magazines don't seem to be. And these aren't comic readers, they're just average people (well, as average as our friends tend to be, which I'll admit isn't very :)). Comics just seem to attract people.

Now, I'm not particularly interested in "recruiting for the cause," but--if I were--I'm wondering whether just keeping a small stack of comics on your coffee table would do the trick.

After that, you could leave some in laundromats or dentist's offices, anywhere people tend to have to wait? Maybe stick them on people's windshields at the mall? Go from door to door, spreading the word of Stan Lee? After all, there's only a few letters' difference between Watchmen and Watchtower.

(The things you think of when you haven't had enough sleep!)

Yeah, it's another link...

...but this one is awesome, a nice mix of real-world and comic-world events.

Top 50 WTF Moments in Comics

A link because I'm tired

more the engrish

Halloween would-have-beens

Today is Halloween, and once again neither of my daughters is going out in a superhero costume. It's probably just as well, since girls' costumes tend to have at least bare legs because of the possibly-quite-short skirt, and very likely a bare stomach as well if you're Supergirl, and there's a small chance of snow tonight.

Last year the then-thirteen-year-old thought about making a Deadpool costume, but it turned out to be well beyond either of our costuming capabilities so it was a no-go.

So the kids will be returning home with SUGAR!!! and then watching some Universal horror (I've had a request for Frankenstein from the nine-year-old, but I'm guessing she means Bride of Frankenstein). I get to wait at home until it's time to pick up the older one in town.

So I'm not going anywhere myself, and I don't have a costume.

But if I did need a costume, I know what I'd go as, and I know what I'd need for the incredibly cheap costume: green makeup and pointy years. I'd be...a Skrull version of me.

Awesome, right?

Too bad it won't work for next year.

So there's a surprise?

There's a two week delay on the last Secret Invasion which will mean I don't get it until next year because of the whole comic shipping thing.

Nice cover, although Winter Cap still just looks wrong in the SuperDramatic Cap poses.

Holiday shopping fatigue already!

The nine-year-old has announced that what she wants for xmas is Minimates, and that I can expect a list of particulars soon. With any luck, the ones she wants will be ones that are available. I do not expect that sort of luck.

Survival rates

Action figures rated for durability:

1. DC Universe Classics
2. Hasbro Marvel Legends
3. Various DC Direct figures
4. Marvel Legends

The fourteen-year-old points out that these ratings are skewed by the fact that the Marvel Legends have probably seen the most use--we've been getting the Marvel Legends for the longest time so they've had more opportunity to break--and notes that the older figures of that line do seem to hold up better than the later ones.

She also says that on the whole they don't like the Hasbro figures enough to play with them much, although I don't think she's entirely right because they're pretty fond of Hercules and the Black Knight--I do see her point with Emma Frost and Banshee, though.

Finally, she says that they are probably more careful with the DC Direct lines because they aren't as easy to play with, which may affect breakage.

And she may have a point, but since I'm going by the number of such figures that have been broken in play versus the number that have not, I stand by my list.

Link worth reading

This is one of the sweetest comic-related things I've ever read.

Yeah, okay, that works (Captain America 43 Spoilers)

And no, I don't actually have my copy of Cap in my hands, won't until the end of the month, but I am physiologically incapable of not looking at spoilers on the internet.

That bit when Bucky refers to Black Widow as his best friend, as in "ought to be in bed with my best friend"?

Totally saved the whole Bucky/Widow relationship for me.

Of course they see it as friends with benefits. It makes perfect sense, for both characters.

Quick GL realization

I think I've identified the source of some of Kyle Rayner's appeal.

When other Green Lanterns receive their rings, they've been given a powerful weapon, or a versatile tool. That's how they think of it, that's how they use it.

Kyle?

Seems like such an obvious thing.

So are there any plans for a John Stewart Green Lantern figure in his modern costume and hairdo? I mean, something in roughly 6" scale? And not the JLU model? It's the thing the kids ask about most often when it comes to action figures.

What I Want: The January 09 Marvel Solicitations

Apparently a number of this month's selections are still Big!!! Secrets!!! so I might not have a lot to say about books I know nothing about other than the title.

DARK AVENGERS #1

I'll give it a shot, since it's an Avengers title.


AVENGERS: THE INITIATIVE #21

This one has been consistently pretty good.


DEADPOOL #6

And of course this one has Deadpool. They'd have to do a lot to this one to make us not want it. (That's not a challenge, by the way.)


MIGHTY AVENGERS #21

Well, I get this anyway and generally like it (although all the Avengers-free Avengers we've been seeing lately aren't really to my taste). And while I do like Bendis, Dan Slott writing is an additional selling point.


MS. MARVEL #35

Haven't seen a reason to drop this yet.


NEW AVENGERS #49

Ditto, but am of course hoping to see more Avengers.


AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #582
The Molten Man's powers are out of control, setting the world ablaze around him, and destroying his own body and mind within. This is it, his final and brightest burn. And all he cares about is taking Harry Osborn with him! Can Spider-Man pull his best friend's fat out of this fire? And, with what Harry's been up to, should he? All this plus: a secret surprise from Liz Allan, and a major Spider-Mystery is finally solved.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #583
YOU ASKED FOR IT, YOU GOT IT! PETER PARKER ON A DATE!
After the revelations of “Mind on Fire”, love is in the air for more than one member of the cast and Pete finally gets some time out with the ladies. (and who better to bring it to you than two men who both had dates as recently as 1987!)
Amidst the romance though, forces are gathering that will spell trouble for Peter in the months to come.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #584
CHARACTER ASSASSINATION BEGINS!
The climax to the last year’s worth of Spider-man stories starts with a bang as questions are answered and Spidey’s new world is rocked to its core.
Who's the person terrorizing people as Menace? Who's behind the Spider-Tracer Killings? Who's going to be the Mayor of New York City? After more than 365 (Brand New) Days, Marc Guggenheim and John Romita Jr. have all the answers in the first chapter of "Character Assassination" -- a story over a year in the making!

Whoa, descriptive text!

The kids still like it. I personally sometimes forget to read it, but I'm not the Spider-fan around here.


AVENGERS/INVADERS #8 (of 12)
With the real enemy revealed, two teams of Avengers are drawn together for a brutal battle royale. Meanwhile, a secret from the Invaders’ past threatens to destroy the present, upend the chessboard and send several heroes back through the veils of time...perhaps lost forever.

Coolness!--as in, apparently the hero fight is over.


CAPTAIN AMERICA #46
Eisner-Winning artist Steve Epting returns as the New Captain America comes face-to-face with an old ally -- Prince Namor -- on a dangerous trip to China. Can Bucky and Namor team up to save the memory of an old comrade-in-arms as Cold War crimes come back to haunt the Winter Soldier? Part 1 of 3.

Namor, whoo!


CAPTAIN AMERICA: THEATER OF WAR: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
The third in a series chronicling the adventures that made Captain America the hero we know today, Paul Jenkins (MYTHOS) does what he does best, weaving a tale of war, brotherhood and legacy. From skinny Steve Rogers at boot camp to the Super-Soldier leading a battalion of men against the Nazis, this is the Captain America you thought you knew but you’ve never seen. And when the choice is between his country or his best friend, this is the decision he had to make.

Oh, why not?


CAPTAIN BRITAIN AND MI13 #9
“Hell Comes to Birmingham”
Captain Britain is reunited with his wife, Meggan! But can they stay together and live through Dr. Plokta’s devastating attack? Also, the Black Knight gives into his darkest urges and comes to grips with the truth about the Ebony Blade. Can he ever turn back to the light? Part 4 (of 4)

Black Knight focus, yay!


MARVEL ADVENTURES THE AVENGERS #32
No matter how powerful you are, how heroic you are, or how beloved you are, you still have to pay taxes. And when the IRS comes knocking on the door to Avengers Tower, it causes all sorts of problems. Luckily, the Avengers can avoid the problematic filing of their real names by helping the IRS collect back taxes on a few deadbeats. Unfortunately, those deadbeats include Bullseye, Man-Bull, the Absorbing Man, Whirlwind, and a certain highly-successful web- designer named Oog---and these guys DON'T want to pay! Action! Adventure! Taxes?

This is of course for the nine-year-old, but it sounds like a fun one. :)


RUNAWAYS #6
“Dead Wrong”
The conclusion of Terry Moore’s (Strangers in Paradise) first heart-wrenching story-arc. It’s the final showdown between Karolina’s fellow Majesdanians and the Runaways. The effects of this will shake the core of the Runaways and change their lives.

For the fourteen-year-old, assuming she's been enjoying it enough to keep getting it.


SHE-HULK #37
Our Gamma-irradiated emerald beauty is facing a United Nations inquiry, and they’re throwing the book at her... Mallory Book that is. Will she pay for the crime of heroism? Will she be forever called a Menace to Society? And hey... didn’t she used to have a friend who was one of those “Secret Invader” types? To everyone’s surprise, old friends—and old enemies—arrive with new developments to complicate She-Hulk’s life.

Haven't not liked She-Hulk yet.


YOUNG X-MEN #10
You think you know everything there is to know about YOUNG X-MEN? Think again. One shocker has been brewing since #1 and the pot peaks with #10. Don’t miss this landmark issue of Young X-Men.

I think the kids and the husband still like this one. It's not one of the ones I put at the top of the stack, myself, but it's generally readable.

What I Want: The January 09 DC Solicitations

You will perhaps notice the absence of Trinity from the list. I've quit again. (I guess I've lost the right to be annoyed with my friends who quit smoking annually...)

FINAL CRISIS #7
The dramatic finale to the epic, seven-part saga of the DC multiverse concludes with an apocalyptic battle for the soul of humanity that must be seen to be believed! Can the heroes of 52 Earths save the multiverse? And is the only way to save it, to change it forever?

I like the multiverse, please don't let "change" mean "eliminate."


SECRET SIX #5
A “Faces of Evil” issue! The tattered remnants of the Six continue their run through the gauntlet of DCU heroes and villains on their race to get their precious (and deadly) cargo to Gotham City. The secret of the mysterious Junior is revealed, and a betrayal from within may spell death for the rest of the team! Also, has a former member returned?

Black Lantern Knockout, I'm guessing? :)


BATMAN #685
A “Faces of Evil” issue starring Catwoman! Continuing from this month’s DETECTIVE COMICS #852, Selina Kyle’s path of vengeance against Hush knows no bounds! After confronting the man responsible for nearly destroying her life, Selina’s wrath propels her into a downward spiral. With Tommy Elliot almost certain to suffer dire consequences, could Catwoman’s humanity be next to perish?

Not sure on this one because I'm really only planning to read Batman through the Hush/RIP thing and I'm not sure this counts.


ROBIN #182
The stunning conclusion to “Search for a Hero” and a “Faces of Evil” issue! In order to stop Anarky, do you impose order with an iron fist or embrace chaos? Or can Robin find a different way? After “Batman R.I.P.,” Gotham City demands a better class of hero, and the new Robin is going to give them exactly what they deserve...

Up to the kids whether we continue with this one.


DETECTIVE COMICS #852
A “Faces of Evil” issue starring Hush! Following the events of "Heart of Hush," this two-part story starts here and ends in the pages of this month’s BATMAN #685. Catwoman has a score to settle with Hush after their most recent encounter, but Hush isn't likely to take any attacks quietly. Will anyone be able to temper Selina's rage, or will she become a face of evil again?

Well, if I'm getting Batman, I'm getting this one too.


BIRDS OF PREY #126
A “Faces of Evil” issue! After The Joker shook up the Silicon Syndicate, the Calculator makes his move! But who in the syndicate may be leaking info to Oracle and her Birds of Prey – and who is the new muscle behind Calculator?

Calculator is generally a fun villain. Not sure about the "Faces of Evil" thing but I guess there's no escaping it.


GREEN LANTERN CORPS #32
A “Faces of Evil” issue! The stunning “Sins of the Star Sapphire” storyline concludes with Kyle Rayner battling Kryb for the soul of Lantern Amnee Pree's baby. Plus, Mongul begins his conquest of a world and a takeover of the Sinestro Corps. What world is at stake and which Lanterns will attempt to stand in his murderous way?

So far I've steadily enjoyed this title.


JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #23
“Black Adam and Isis” part 1 and a “Faces of Evil” issue! The new Justice Society regroups just in time to face one of their greatest and most personal enemies – Black Adam! The sorcerer Felix Faust has imprisoned the soul of Isis, Black Adam's deceased wife. But the Black Marvel just figured that out, and nothing will save Faust from his wrath — nothing except maybe the Justice Society of America. And everybody will be in for a surprise when they discover how Isis has changed since her death at the hands of the Four Horsemen. Will she be a friend to the world – or will she be its destruction?

I think I've mentioned this one elsewhere.


TITANS #9
A “Faces of Evil” issue! With Jericho around, no one is safe. He can hide in plain sight, and he’s far more powerful than he’s ever been before. Even those best equipped to understand and deal with him – his old teammates the Titans – are at a loss this time. What is his ultimate goal, and whom will he possess next to attain it?

Might be a possibility of me dropping this at some point, but not quite yet.


WONDER WOMAN #28
“Rise of the Olympian” part 3 and a “Faces of Evil” issue! The Olympians are on Earth, and they're making their presence felt across the world! The JLA joins forces with Wonder Woman to stop Genocide, but even their combined might isn't enough! And the mysterious power behind The Society is at last revealed!

Likewise. Wonder Woman is one of those things I want to like, but I don't have enough fondness for the character to maintain interest if the stories lag. Recently they've been pretty good, though, so I think it's safe for now.


SCOOBY-DOO #140
When the Mystery, Inc. gang investigates a series of snowbound robberies in this issue reprinting SCOOBY-DOO #103, they find a real live Snowman — and he’s anything but holly and jolly! Plus, a Ghastly Ghoul haunts an apartment building, and a ghost-infested pirate ship!

The nine-year-old's love of Scooby is eternal.


And that is all!

He's not so hopeless

Was reading the blogs today, and came across Just Past the Horizon: Mirrored Plotlines, about the treatment of female characters in Captain America and Daredevil. It's an interesting read despite the fact that I've never given a hang about Daredevil and have never read his title in any of its incarnations, but this passage is what I'm writing about:

That said, I have been meaning to address Bucky’s sexist attitude towards Sharon. He’s the one who kept stating he wanted to help “Cap’s girl.” It’s not really a problem with the writer in my eyes, this is just characterization. Bucky’s from the 1940s. He was raised on an all-male military training base in the 1930s. With that background his attitudes about women are probably just a bit more enlightened than those of Thag the Mammoth Hunter.

That is something I'd noticed as well, and while I'm sure that fresh-to-the-new-century Bucky has his sexist tendencies, I'm not sure that his protective attitude toward Sharon as "Cap's girl" is in that category. He doesn't seem to have any difficulty accepting Natasha as an equal, after all. (And of course he isn't entirely new to the modern era, although a lot of his experiences would have been colored by his Soviet indoctrination.) I think it probably has more to do with the fact that he sees her mainly in terms of her connection with Steve. Plus he hasn't had any opportunity to get to know her as a person--when he first met Sam, he thought of him primarily as Steve's friend, but eventually formed his own connection. Under different circumstances, I imagine he could see her as more than part of Steve's life.

Welcome back?

Among the items listed in this preview of DC's January Solicitations is this:

JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #23
“Black Adam and Isis” part 1 and a “Faces of Evil” issue! The new Justice Society regroups just in time to face one of their greatest and most personal enemies – Black Adam! The sorcerer Felix Faust has imprisoned the soul of Isis, Black Adam's deceased wife. But the Black Marvel just figured that out, and nothing will save Faust from his wrath — nothing except maybe the Justice Society of America. And everybody will be in for a surprise when they discover how Isis has changed since her death at the hands of the Four Horsemen. Will she be a friend to the world – or will she be its destruction?

I'm kind of torn about this one. On the one hand, I really liked the character of Isis in 52. I liked her resolve, I liked her basic goodness, I liked the way she managed to be both strong and sweet without being cloying. I was, unsurprisingly, disappointed in her end. I do realize that she was there primarily to affect Black Adam and not to be a character of her own--but I liked her.

So "everybody will be in for a surprise when they discover how Isis has changed." I can't imagine that I'm the only one who is hoping that she'll be horrified by Adam's actions in her name ("What were you thinking? I was crazy with grief--how could you think I meant this?") but I am pretty sure that won't happen. Because no one can be essentially good. Actually, that's DC's theme this year, isn't it?

Is this a good idea?

Thinking about that Lego Batman game as a possible for the kids this holiday season. I imagine they'd like it--they're big Minimates fans and the Lego characters look somewhat Minimate-ish. And they're reasonably Bat-friendly.

My main concern is whether, if we do this, we'll ever get near the television again.

Cool stuff coming out

According to this, they're going to be reprinting the old Gold Key comics based on the Irwin Allen TV shows from the 60s--Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Time Tunnel, and Land of the Giants.

I am not a huge Irwin Allen fan, but I do have a soft spot for Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (which I caught in syndication, not during its initial run, thankyouverymuch!) and I will probably want that first volume.

What surprises me here, though, is that they don't mention a Lost in Space comic. Did they not make one? That seems like a lost opportunity, since it was easily the most kid-friendly of all the Irwin Allen shows and the one that more people seem to have heard of.

Bat-thoughts

So when I started getting back into comics after about ten years away (this would have been in the early 00s), I of course started out with the titles I'd always known and loved--Avengers, Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Legion of Superheroes. (No X-books, though. Some things, I don't forgive.) I also decided, since the now-fourteen-year-old watched the Batman cartoon that was on at the time, that I'd like to read Batman.

Of course, as anyone more familiar with DC Comics than I was (I'd read nothing but Marvel and the Legion for most of my comic-reading life, so had little knowledge of DC continuity) would have known, "reading Batman" wasn't as simple as all that. There was, of course, Batman. There was Detective. There was a regular title with Superman and Batman. And there were Batman-related miniseries. Oh yeah, there were miniseries, at least one going at any one time and probably more. And none of them seemed to connect with any of the others. I probably kept with it for a year, maybe a little more, maybe a little less. Most of the stories were pretty good. But...as it turns out, I don't care a whole lot about Batman. His supporting cast is another matter--they're a lot of fun. But Batman himself? Kind of leaves me cold.

After that I gave up on the non-LSH DC titles for a while, until a few years ago when the internet told me I should check out things like Green Lantern and the Morrison JLA run. And now about 1/3 of the books I read are DC, go figure.

But none of those have been Batman titles--until the recent RIP/Hush thing. Which I'm getting for reasons other than Batman himself. And you know...I still don't much care about Batman as a character. But his place in the DC universe, that I can see a lot of value in.

Really?

They're canceling Amazing Spider-Girl?

I mean, we don't get it, but I thought it was one of those things other people liked.

Action figure rambling again

DC Universe Classics are spoiling me for DC Direct.

It's the playability thing. I find myself thinking about getting the DC Universe Classics Wonder Woman despite the fact that we already have a very nice DC Direct Wonder Woman--just because the former looks like she might actually be able to sit down.

But then what do we do with the old Wonder Woman? Heck, what do we do with the two Batmans (Batmen?) we have right now?

They're apparently going to be coming out with Beetle and Booster in the Classics line. Which means that I'll be going there rather than to the Giffen-era Justice League DC Direct figures for those guys.

I don't envision myself not buying any more DC Direct figures--they are just too pretty, and there are some awfully obscure items there, which is awesome.. Just that, if the Classics are going to have such a wide range of characters, that will be our first choice.

A happy medium

I was catching up on my blog-reading (it's a hopeless, endless task, but I persevere), and came across Because the middle of the road is no place to sit down at Blog@Newsarama, all about how people tend to expect so little from comics in terms of quality that anything that comes out that's above-average in any way rates unrealistically high praise. Which is both interesting and probably true.

Partly, I'm sure, this is because a number of comic readers seem to be constantly on the defensive about their chosen reading matter, and jump on anything they find that puts that matter in a more sophisticated light. You know, because of that whole comics=kid stuff and/or comics=lowbrow thing.

Now, I am definitely more of a comfort reader (to use a term brought up in the comment section of the above link) when it comes to my comics. I do pick up new things, start reading new characters, but they're generally going to be of the same type as the superhero books I've read all my life. It's what I like, and I don't feel a need to apologize for it. Never have. (Anyone who, twenty years ago, brought Legion of Superheroes to high school to read during study hall clearly isn't too worried about what people think. :))

The division between popular culture and big-C Culture has been with us for...well, forever. And, often, it's the popular culture that comes out on top in terms of audience and money-making. (Thus the term "popular.") This trend has only become more pronounced with the increased compartmentalization of society.

But I'm starting to ramble. What I meant to get at is that iff mediocrity is what you usually find in comic books, it's pretty much the same situation as in any other media. I haven't noticed any growing trend toward excellence in television or movies--on the whole, what you find most often is what's average. (Mathematically speaking, that only makes sense.) I really think that the tendency to over-praise adequate comics comes from the novelty of the notion that comics can aspire to excellence.

Even I can see the problem with this one

So I saw this article at Newsarama, called "Marvel Tees Up." It's about a new line of Marvel-themed t-shirts, aimed at young women. And I thought, "Hey, cool!" Because I've got a teen daughter who has been known to wear superhero t-shirts in the past, when she's been able to find them.

And I go to the link, and at first glance I'm thinking that this is definitely the style of t-shirt she likes--they've got that sort of fake-vintage look to them. The imagery is mostly Silver Age. They're cute, definitely. And I'm hoping that they aren't too pricey because I may end up purchasing some.

Then I look more closely at the actual shirts.

A Captain America shirt: "My boyfriend is a super hero!"
The Human Torch: "My boyfriend is hotter than yours!"
Magneto: "My ex-boyfriend is a villain!"
Reed Richards: "Searching for my Mr. Fantastic!"
A grouping of assorted heroes: "I only date super heroes!"

They're not all like that. A lot are, in fact, just really nice superhero t-shirts.

And exactly one of them features one of Marvel's superheroines. (Two if you count the tank top with an X-Men cover on it, which I don't.) It's Storm, incidentally.

Now, when I said that my daughter has some superhero t-shirts, what I meant is that she's got a couple featuring Wonder Woman and another with the Supergirl logo and some text about Supergirl saving the world. (And it's green, not pink, but I digress.) I don't mean that she'd only ever want superheroine shirts--she'd probably love a shirt featuring her fave hero, although I don't see Deadpool there. But in the past, that's what she's gone for.

I can only conclude that, despite what the article is saying, young women are not really the market for these shirts. Girls who read comics don't read them because they envision the characters as "boyfriends," and girls who don't read comics certainly don't do so. These are shirts for male comic fans to give their girlfriends, or they're shirts for young women to buy to please their comic fan boyfriends. Otherwise, why all the external focus?

As I said, there are a number of shirts there that would please a young woman who is buying them because she, herself, likes comic books (or the iconic imagery), but probably nearly half of these things are boyfriend-themed. For some reason, I found this surprising.

Never say never

I've never been particularly intrigued by the idea of getting my comics digitally because I like paper. I like to hold the comics in my hands and turn the pages. I like getting a nice box of comics once a month, sorting out the kids' books and handing them over, and taking out the two or three titles I most want to read and putting them at the top of the stack. I like all those physical aspects of comic reading.

So, although I've seen some good cost-based and storage-based arguments in favor of digital comics, I've never seriously considered the possibility, much less wished I could get them like that. I haven't seen anything presented as a potential of digital comics that got me excited.

But there is something that could.

I'm middle-aged, and I've got poor eyesight. It isn't getting any better. It can't be corrected much more than it is right now. I can read my comics all right (with the occasional exception of some particularly small-fonted captioning), but I am concerned that, someday, that may not be the case.

And that's where, possibly, digital comics might come in. If it ever comes to a point where it's hard to read my on-paper comics, it might be that I can continue my hobby by changing over to digital--because, presumably, with digital you can zoom images.

That would be a selling point for me, certainly, but considering the aging of comic fandom I'm guessing I wouldn't be the only one.

Other Reasons to Drop a Comic Book

Yesterday I wrote a brief post on why I recently dropped the Moon Knight title, the gist of which involved my realization that I hadn't even bothered to read the thing in three months.

Here are some other good reasons to drop a comic:

The title character dies. (Captain America excepted.)

The price goes up to something you consider unreasonable. This will vary with the consumer, and vary with the title. (Hasn't happened yet but I expect it to, if and when prices go up across the board.)

The book will be available in trade form, and you have the patience to wait. (Hasn't happened to me yet, but patience isn't one of my more notable characteristics.)

It starts to feel more like a chore than a pleasure to read the book. (That's what happened with me and Iron Man and Fantastic Four.)

Too many crossovers! (That's what happened with me and every x-book in the 90s. I still won't touch them.)

Character overdose! (That's what happened with me a few years back, when I decided to read every damn thing Batman was appearing in at the time. Whoa.)

Origins and old storylines retconned to the point where the characters just aren't the same characters. (That's what happened with me and the current Legion of Superheroes run.)

A new title turns out to be not as much fun as expected/hoped for. (That's what happened with Trinity.)

A title changes enough with a change in writer/artist that you just don't find it worth getting anymore. (That's what happened with All-New Atom. I still like the character, just not $3/month worth of like.)

Your mileage may vary.